Coyotes to switch name from Phoenix to Arizona

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Phoenix Coyotes will become the Arizona Coyotes starting in the 2014-15 season.

The team has been known as the Phoenix Coyotes since moving to Arizona from Winnipeg in 1996. The team played its home games in downtown Phoenix before moving to Glendale in 2003, but kept the Phoenix name.

Coyotes President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc said the ownership group, IceArizona, wanted to change the name so it could be recognized as a team for the entire state instead of just Glendale or Phoenix.

The Coyotes will keep the same uniforms they wear now, but will have a new shoulder patch on both their home and road jerseys.